Researchers investigate melatonin's potential to alleviate insomnia in patients with depression undergoing antidepressant treatment. The study aims to determine the optimal dose of melatonin to restore normal sleep patterns.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed a new chemical process for depositing titanium disilicide on submicron-scale device structures, overcoming current manufacturing limitations. This breakthrough enables the fabrication of smaller, faster microelectronic devices.
A National Research Council panel recommends hiring criteria, training programs, and better displays for air traffic controllers to maintain situation awareness and improve system reliability. The FAA is expected to assess different types of automation and make recommendations on implementation.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a computer model of the Ford Explorer to simulate 35 mile per hour crash tests. The model will provide information used to assure future, lighter vehicles meet safety requirements, reducing the need for expensive actual crashes.
A team of NASA scientists disagrees with a recent study suggesting that satellite data shows no warming trend in the Earth's lower atmosphere, while surface temperature data shows a +0.12 deg C/decade increase. The disagreement is largely due to differences between satellite and surface measurements over oceans versus land areas.
Researchers have found that cidofovir, a new antiviral drug, can slow the progression of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, a common cause of vision loss and blindness in AIDS patients. The study showed that both low and high doses of the drug were effective, allowing for less frequent treatment compared to traditional options.
A team of scientists from NCAR analyzed global temperature trends obtained via satellites and surface instruments. They found that satellite data can produce spurious drops due to changes in satellite records, which can mask actual rises in global temperatures.
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that black women have lower resting metabolic rates than white women, making it harder to lose weight. This difference in metabolism was observed even after adjusting for weight and muscle mass.
A recent Penn State study found that high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets may cause a drop in testosterone levels due to inadequate nutrient balance. The study revealed a positive correlation between dietary fat and resting testosterone levels before and after exercise.
Children with FAS have behavioral and learning problems in addition to brain damage and facial abnormalities. Researchers found that children with FAS can focus on tasks but struggle with using new information and switching attention, which may explain why drugs like Ritalin are ineffective for this group.
According to sports psychologist David Yukelson, athletes can master a quick mental turnaround in a game situation by recognizing problem situations, practicing positive coping strategies, and evaluating their own progress.
Athletes often overconsume carbohydrates while underconsuming fats, leading to inadequate calories. A well-balanced diet with essential fatty acids is crucial for performance enhancement.
Researchers are evaluating potential health effects of long-term mercury exposure on former workers and employees. The study aims to characterize how mercury affects the nervous system, kidney function, and reproductive system.
A recent study published by Duke researchers has found that the toxic marine organism Pfiesteria piscicida causes severe learning impairment in rats. The toxin was shown to affect spatial learning, with injected rats performing poorly on new tasks even after training had begun.
Researchers developed a microelectrode that can measure multiple chemical species simultaneously in seawater biofilms, including dissolved oxygen, iron, manganese, and iodide. The device is hardy enough to withstand various marine settings and can detect pollutants at low levels.
A new study by Victor Cicirelli asks older adults about their end-of-life options and finds that a majority would prefer to live, but some may choose assisted suicide under low-quality conditions. The study also reveals that social support and well-being are not key factors in these decisions.
A CU-Boulder professor is developing artificial habitats for captive-born Aruba Island rattlers to promote fear of predators and rattle behavior. He's also studying lab-raised Aruba rattlers' ability to locate suitable temperature and humidity conditions in the wild.
UNESCO has issued a declaration stating that human cloning is unacceptable, citing ethical concerns and the preservation of humanity's infinite diversity. The organization's director-general has called for a world commission on ethics and science to tackle issues related to scientific developments beyond genetics.
A study found that serotonin function declines with age, particularly in the hippocampus region, leading to impaired cognitive function and increased risk of depression. Researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches based on these findings.
A recent report from SPRU reveals that British companies are making significant contributions to scientific research, publishing over 41,000 articles between 1981 and 1994. This has led to a reevaluation of the role of industry in advancing science, with findings suggesting that companies are driving innovation across various sectors.
Scientists at Indiana University have identified a new potential target for treating parasitic diseases in human cells. The discovery suggests that chloroplast-like plastids, which are found in single-celled parasites, may play an important role in the cell and could be targets for drug therapies.
Agricultural workers in Georgia are now being educated about skin cancer risks through a new program, thanks to $1.15 million in funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The program includes sun block, hats with built-in neck protection, and educational materials targeted at farmers' families.
Researchers studied 171 hospital patients with diabetes mellitus and found that sliding scale insulin regimens provided no benefit. Patients on standing regimens fared better than those on sliding scale regimens, which tripled the risk of hyperglycemia when used alone.
A study by scientists at the National Institute on Aging and Johns Hopkins University found that long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research tracked over 1,686 participants for nearly two decades and showed a significant decrease in Alzheimer's risk with longer NSAID use.
The Great Lakes Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training project brings together health care workers and their patients into teams to identify physical, social and economic needs. The goal is to provide high quality health care while controlling costs by keeping patients at home longer or helping them follow medical care better.
Researchers have discovered crucial proteins called septins in filamentous fungi, which could serve as a target for antifungal agents. The finding may help develop new treatments for fungal diseases, which have dramatically increased in recent years.
The USGS report provides a detailed overview of the nation's wetland resources, including their types, distribution, and conservation efforts. The 103 million acres of remaining wetlands in the United States support critical habitat for waterfowl and reduce flood severity while improving water quality.
Purdue University scientists have developed a method to trap and study ions on surfaces, providing a new way to alter materials at the nanoscale level. The technique uses molecular ions that can be selected based on mass, allowing for reversible surface modification and preserving the ions.
Two sounding rocket experiments conducted by US and Russian scientists characterized dense plasma regions in the near-Earth environment, known as the ionosphere. The data will be analyzed by both American and Russian scientists as part of a data exchange agreement.
The MSX satellite successfully tracked two medium-range missiles, demonstrating its ability to perform key missile defense functions. The primary sensors collected several minutes of high-quality data, which is now undergoing preliminary analysis at the USASSDC.
Researchers at the University of Rochester are developing augmented reality technology that can seamlessly combine virtual and real-world images. This technology has numerous applications in medicine, entertainment, maintenance, and defense, including improved surgeries, enhanced soldier capabilities, and streamlined repairs.
A new analysis of 18 clinical trials found low-dose diuretic therapy to be highly effective in reducing the risk of stroke, congestive heart failure, coronary disease, and total mortality in patients with high blood pressure. Beta blockers also showed promise in preventing these complications.
A team from the University of Rochester Cancer Center has identified the protein PP1c that activates the retinoblastoma (RB) gene, a key tumor suppressor. This finding offers a new avenue for controlling cancer cell growth and potentially treating various types of cancer.
The USGS has reported that at least 1,025 people have been killed in earthquakes this year, exceeding the total for 1996. The country-specific data highlights significant risks to public safety, particularly in Iran where a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck and killed over 965 people.
Researchers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center are experimenting with Aerogel, the lightest solid material known, in space to learn how to make it transparent. The goal is to create an insulating material for energy-efficient windows that conserve energy and save money.
People with idiopathic anaphylaxis experience unpredictable, life-threatening symptoms without an external cause. Prompt diagnosis and preventive therapy with a combination of prednisone, hydroxyzine, and albuterol are critical to prevent death.
According to psychologist Saul M. Kassin, modern interrogation techniques can elicit false confessions, compromising the justice system. Laboratory experiments demonstrate that innocent people can adopt false beliefs and confabulate details under suggestion.
Researchers found that HIV-infected immune cells take in more vitamin C and glucose than healthy counterparts, but extremely high levels are toxic. This study provides a foundation to understand the relationship between vitamin C, HIV infection, and cell metabolism.
The USGS is reporting record-high floods in several states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. The Little Kanawha River in West Virginia peaked at a historic 57,200 cfs, while the Ohio Brush Creek reached an 71-year high of 80,000 cfs.
Researchers have discovered that different strains of HIV may exploit distinct immune cells through chemokine coreceptors, potentially explaining the sudden collapse of the immune system in full-blown AIDS patients. The findings could lead to new treatments by targeting these receptors.
Researchers found that people over 85 with severe, sudden disabilities received less intensive hospital care than younger counterparts. This suggests that age-based treatment decisions may be incorrect, and that treating aggressively at the right time could reduce disability.
The study found that fluoride protects smooth surfaces of teeth, while dental sealants fill pits and fissures to prevent decay. Sealants are recommended for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced tooth decay in these areas.
Research suggests that neighborhoods with high poverty rates have significantly higher rates of domestic violence, particularly involving intimate partners. The study found that nine times more incidents of assaultive violence occurred in these areas compared to non-poverty neighborhoods.
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that intensive education for doctors and special programs within hospitals are more effective in changing the kind of care dying people receive than advance care directives. The study found that sophisticated educational techniques can motivate doctors to change their be...
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that long-term estrogen replacement therapy can increase blood flow to the heart and cause blood vessels to stay open wider and longer. This leads to a reduced risk of heart attack and improved coronary circulation.
Young physicians who undergo formal training in ultrasound testing on pregnant women perform better than those without such training, according to a Johns Hopkins study. The formal training program includes a checklist of sonographic skills and evaluates residents' progress through practical exams.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a drug and radiation regimen that demonstrates substantial activity in reducing locally advanced and inoperable tumors in the pancreas and stomach.
Experts Allyson Pollock and Dorothy Rice argue that surveys are a poor tool for evaluating the impact of healthcare spending on population health. They propose adopting national health data standards to track individuals over time and improve healthcare effectiveness.
A new study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology suggests that children remember more of what they watch on television than what they read. The study found that television news was more effective at conveying information to children, especially when combined with visual elements like pictures.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed Synthetic Interviews, an innovative technology that integrates various technologies to create an interactive experience. Users can ask questions and interact with Einstein through speech or typing, and view him in 3D without glasses.
Researchers at UT-Houston Medical School discovered that growth factor TGF-Beta plays a key role in forming long-term memories. The study found that TGF-Beta produces stronger electrical nerve cell connections, similar to those observed in animals with enhanced withdrawal response triggered by behavioral training.
A long-term epidemiological study found that postmenopausal women with the highest bone mass have a 3.5 times increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to those in the lowest quartile of bone mass. The study suggests that high bone mass may be associated with increased exposure to estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer de...
Dr. Ramaswamy Anantheswaran has successfully developed a packaging method that regulates humidity within mushroom packages, improving shelf life and quality. The modified humidity packaging works by utilizing moisture adsorbers to maintain optimal levels of moisture, reducing the growth of bacteria and discoloration.
A new protein, IL 13-PE38QQR, has shown high specificity and sensitivity to kill cancer cells, including those with Kaposi's sarcoma. The compound targets receptor sites on cancer cells, gaining access through interleukin 13.
ORNL's microcantilever technology can detect chemicals used to tag explosives and drugs, enhancing law enforcement capabilities. The portable unit can sniff out explosives or tagged materials, providing critical information in counter-terrorism efforts.
A ring-like molecule mimicking thymine's shape was inserted into DNA without hydrogen bonds, yet still accurately paired with adenine. This finding questions decades of dogma and suggests base shape is crucial for accurate DNA replication.
A new treatment with inhaled nitric oxide significantly reduced the need for surgical intervention in infants with hypoxic respiratory failure. This non-invasive alternative offers a major advance, reducing risks and costs associated with ECMO therapy.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute demonstrate that water is formed in interstellar clouds through a reaction involving hydronium. The experiment, conducted at an ion storage ring, shows a permanent ratio between water and hydronium molecules.
Scientists created a 3D computer model of a glutamate receptor, which can be used to develop new drugs for Alzheimer's disease and other disorders. The model accurately represents the receptor's structure and behavior.
A study led by Dr. Steven Wing found that lung cancer and leukemia rates were significantly higher downwind of the Three Mile Island reactor than upwind, consistent with high radiation exposures. The researchers conclude that radiation from the accident increased cancer in areas affected by radioactive plumes.